First Thoughts on the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
For years, I’ve chased the perfect balance: rock-solid scope mounting and minimal weight. The pursuit of that ideal has led me down many paths, some fruitful, others frustrating. My latest experiment? The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte.
I needed a reliable mounting solution for a lightweight backcountry rifle build. Every ounce counts when you’re miles from the trailhead, and I was tired of bulky, heavy steel mounts.
Unboxing the Leupold BackCountry combo, I was immediately struck by its minimalist design. The matte black finish is clean, and the aluminum construction feels surprisingly robust for its weight.
I considered Warne Mountain Tech rings and bases, and Talley Lightweight Alloy scope mounts. Ultimately, the Leupold BackCountry won out due to its reputation for Leupold’s quality and its specific design for the Remington 700.
My first impression was definitely excitement. The potential to shave weight without sacrificing strength intrigued me. This mounting system promised to be a game-changer for my lightweight hunting setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leupold BackCountry combo during a week-long elk hunt in the Montana backcountry. The terrain was rugged, with steep climbs and rocky descents. The weather ranged from sunny and dry to cold and rainy.
The system held zero flawlessly throughout the hunt, despite some rough handling and exposure to the elements. Installation was simple, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of my time.
I didn’t need any time to get used to this product at all. It was intuitive to install and adjust.
I was initially concerned about the lightweight aluminum holding up to the recoil of my rifle, but it proved to be more than capable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the Leupold BackCountry combo remains secure and reliable. There are no signs of loosening or shifting. The matte black finish has proven to be surprisingly durable, with only minor scuff marks from handling.
Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth. I’ve used other aluminum mounts in the past that felt flimsy and prone to damage.
This Leupold system feels significantly more robust, surpassing my expectations for lightweight mounting solutions. It outperforms the steel rings and bases I previously used in terms of weight savings, without compromising on strength.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is specifically designed for Remington 700 rifles. It features a two-piece base design and 30mm medium height rings.
- Material: Machined from lightweight 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Finish: Matte black.
- Style: Two-piece base and ring combo.
- Compatibility: Remington 700 rifles.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The aluminum construction minimizes weight, essential for backcountry hunting. The matte finish reduces glare, preventing game from being spooked. The two-piece design provides a secure and stable platform for mounting a scope.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry combo performs its job admirably. It provides a rock-solid mounting platform for my scope, ensuring consistent accuracy and reliable zero retention.
The only potential weakness is the aluminum construction, which might be more susceptible to damage than steel in extreme situations. This system meets and exceeds my expectations for a lightweight mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry combo features a minimalist and functional design. The lightweight aluminum construction reduces overall rifle weight, enhancing comfort and maneuverability.
The system is user-friendly, with a straightforward installation process and easy adjustments. Even a novice can install the system.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality aluminum construction suggests a long lifespan with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection.
Regular cleaning will prevent corrosion. The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo should withstand years of use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The combo comes with the necessary screws for mounting the bases to the receiver. There are no further included accessories, nor are there many customization options beyond selecting the appropriate ring height for your scope and rifle combination.
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo is designed for optimal compatibility with Leupold scopes and other optics with a 30mm tube diameter. The two-piece design accommodates a wide range of scopes.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Significantly reduces overall rifle weight, ideal for backcountry hunting.
- Durable Construction: Machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for rugged performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process.
- Secure Mounting: Provides a rock-solid platform for scopes, ensuring consistent accuracy.
- Sleek Aesthetic: Matte black finish minimizes glare and looks great on any rifle.
Cons
- Aluminum construction is potentially less resistant to extreme abuse than steel.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is perfect for hunters and backcountry enthusiasts who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing reliability. It’s also a great choice for anyone building a lightweight Remington 700 rifle.
Those who demand the absolute ultimate in durability or prefer more extensive customization options should skip this product. Consider steel rings and bases if extreme durability is critical.
A torque wrench is a must-have accessory to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the aluminum components. Blue Loctite will secure the screws.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte offers an exceptional blend of lightweight design, durable construction, and reliable performance. It’s a well-engineered mounting system that delivers on its promise of minimizing weight without compromising strength.
At $72.99, the price is justified by the quality and performance of this Leupold product. It is a solid value.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Leupold BackCountry combo to anyone seeking a lightweight, high-performance mounting solution for their Remington 700. If you’re looking to shed ounces without sacrificing accuracy, this is the mount for you. Upgrade your rifle today.